Enamel pins have been around for quite some time now. People of almost all ages use them. They come in different varieties, sizes, and shapes. Some people are even addicted to collecting them. They travel the world to collect. Due to their diversity and various forms and variety, they attract many people. Its flexibility allows us to sculpt it into different shapes, such as cartoons, to attract children and celebrities to attract teenagers and favorite quotes. Several businesses now offer custom enamel pins that are designed according to the desires of the client. Enamel pins allow people to make a statement and get their message across without saying a word. They serve a variety of purposes. They can be used badges. They're also used for decorations. Moreover, they're also put on clothes to enhance the look of clothes and give it a unique feel. They're also widely used in the world of fashion as lapel pins to further add an accessory and modify the look of clothes. Even though there are many variations among enamel pins, there are two broad categories of enamel pins. Namely, soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins. Often buyers are confused when choosing between these two categories. There are certain differences among them which we'll discuss now

Another reason for its vast popularity is the fact that they are entirely customizable, which allows the customers to try out their different ideas and implement them and craft it just according to their wants. This flexibility is what makes it unique. Employees of organizations also use them across the world as their signature. Their demand sees a steep and exponential growth during election days of a country since they're commonly used in political campaigns to support a particular candidate. Other than that, they're also widely used in sports competitions such as world cups and Olympics. They're worn by die-hard fans of a team to show their support. 

Soft Enamel pins

The primary difference between soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins is that soft enamel pins have a textured and a non-smooth or a rough surface. Moreover, they have raised metal edges. These features give it a 3D touch and hence a more realistic look. Contrary to popular belief, soft enamel pins are not soft at all; instead, they're very rugged. They are also known as die struck pins.

Hard Enamel pins  

Unlike soft enamel pins, hard enamel pins have a smooth or a plain surface without any texture. Moreover, its edges are not raised. Therefore, it does not have a 3D look. They are also known as imitation Cloisonné pins. They're more durable and long-lasting than the soft enamel pins.

Prices

Price is a very subjective matter. However, compared to other beauty and fashion products, they're relatively cheaper and more affordable. This makes them accessible to a wide range of evidence. Prices also vary with the brand name; they start from a few cents and go up to hundreds of dollars. Furthermore, hard enamel pins are comparatively more expensive than soft enamel pins since they have a smooth and hence a more luxurious and premium outlook. 

Due to the lower price of soft enamel pins, they naturally always remain high in demand all across the globe, whereas hard enamel pins see comparatively lower demand. 

As discussed above, hard enamel pins are long-lasting, so it is a trade-off between the life of the pin and the price.  

  

Which is better

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Every person has a preference. Some people like to put it out there and want to create a more emphasized statement, while others like a more subtle approach. Hence, it is different for everyone. Moreover, a person might prefer a hard enamel pin on one occasion and a soft enamel pin on another. Enamel pins are more like shoes, different for different times. Due to their different textures, they give different outlooks, and hence people collect them in bundles to get a wide range of variety for various events and outfits.  

How are they made?

Their manufacturing is somewhat simple and relatively cheaper, and due to the reduced cost and small size, they're easier to handle and ship, so they do not cost that much. They do not require heavy machinery; instead, they can be easily made at home with minimal equipment and machinery. Furthermore, they are not very difficult to make, allowing people to learn this skill and create custom designs at low costs. Enamel pins are made from metal. However, there are certain differences between the manufacturing process of soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins. Firstly, a mold of the pin is made. The mold is different for either category. However, the mold of hard enamel pin can also be used to manufacture soft enamel pins, whereas the mold of soft enamel pin cannot be used to manufacture hard enamel pin. 

The manufacturing process of both enamel pins is discussed below:

Soft enamel pins

Firstly, its design is finalized, then the design is stamped onto the mold. Then, it is cut according to the desired size. Moving on, it is then polished, and then the colors are electroplated onto it, and in the end, it is heated and baked where it takes its final shape.

Hard enamel pins

Similar steps are followed for manufacturing hard enamel pins until the cutting stage. Once it is cut according to size, instead of polishing, color is filled in them, and then they're heated and baked. After that, they're polished to make the surface even, and then they're electroplated at the end where it is given its final look.